Auto body repair & detailing: Damaged tab on front bumper clip, grit sandpaper, aluminum tape

Question
Hi William, the front bumper clip on my 2004 Golf has broken in the wheel wells where the clip screws into the well. The clip has a right angle bend with the screw holss and now the plastic "tab" part of the angle has neatly broken away.
Is there a way to fix the two parts so they stay together? I've already tried 5-minute epoxy and it only lasted a few days before breaking away on the repair.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Rob

Answer
Hey Rob! You need to remove the bumper cover completely so you can access the back side of the tabs. You also need some automotive grade plastic repair material, available anywhere that sells professional automotive paint. Sand the back side of the tabs, and the area surrounding them (on the inside of the cover, of course) with some 100 grit sandpaper. Wipe clean with a damp cloth, not a paper towel! Hold the tabs in place with some aluminum tape, then put down a piece of sticky back drywall mesh. Be sure it's big enough to completely cover the back side of the tab, then spread onto the face of the bumper cover about 2 inches. LIBERALLY apply repair glue to the entire area. Let dry several hours, re- drill the hole in the tab, then re-assemble. See why bumper repair is so expensive, and shops often opt to replace them instead of repair? Have a great evening. Bill